General Laborer

Job description

Perform manual and mechanized tasks associated with the production of greenhouse plants and other horticultural products. Plant, cultivate, and maintain nursery stock, bedding plants, plugs, liners, hanging baskets, and other horticultural varieties. Propagate plants from cuttings. Plant/pot seedlings, fill and label trays, move product to/from greenhouses and/or loading/unloading areas. Crimp wire baskets. Attach hangers to baskets and hang throughout holding houses. Move containerized plants using rolling/electric carts. Unload/load trucks and product from conveyor belt. Install/remove plastic coverings. Clean/maintain work area.

Prune, trim, and perform other general plant maintenance. Water or irrigate plants and apply fertilizer or other chemicals. Maintain irrigation systems and move related pipes or other equipment. Tie/position plants by tying or wrapping as necessary. Count, inventory, and grade plants and trees. Pack, label, tag, pull, sort, and store plants by variety.

Apply fertilizers, plant growth chemicals, conditioners, and other plant related treatments at the correct times depending on plant type, growth, climate, and crop conditions.

Workers must operate all equipment properly and in a manner that protects operator, others, the employer's products, and property. Failure to comply with safety requirements and operating instructions may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

Mow, cut, and weed fields. Perform ditching, shoveling, hoeing, hauling, ground preparation, and other manual tasks. Bending, stooping, and kneeling required. Use hand tools including but not limited to hoes, shovels, shears, clippers, loppers, and saws. Lift, carry, and load/unload products or supplies. Assist with farm building/field maintenance and repairs. Build/repair fences.

Must wear assigned personal protective equipment when required. Must report for work daily wearing work clothing and boots or other durable footwear. Workers wearing clothing inappropriate for work will not be permitted to start work.

Outdoor work required when plants are wet, or during light rain, snow, moderate winds, direct sun, high humidity, and extreme temperatures. Temperatures in fields during working hours may vary. Workers may be required to work during occasional showers not severe enough to stop field operations. Work is done outdoors for long periods of time and requires prolonged periods of standing and/or walking, repetitive movements, and frequent bending and/or stooping. Workers must be able to handle, lift, and carry heavy or bulky objects (product, containers) in accordance with the specified lifting requirements.
Employer-paid post-hire drug testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use and after a worker has an accident at work.
Supervisor(s) will provide instructions and directions to workers. Workers must be able to comprehend and follow instructions and communicate effectively to supervisors. Unusual, complex, or non-routine activities will be supervised. Workers expected to perform basic duties in a proficient manner without close supervision. Workers with a clean driving record (no major moving violations such as but not limited to Driving While Intoxicated or Reckless Driving) and able to obtain an insurable driver's license may be required to drive company vehicles. Workers with appropriate licenses and a valid doctor's certificate may be asked to drive other workers.
Allergies to ragweed, goldenrod, honeybees, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, or related chemicals may affect a worker's ability to perform the job. Persons seeking employment in this position must be available for the entire period requested by the employer.

Special Requirements

This job requires a minimum of 3 months of agricultural field work experience working in a greenhouse handling tasks. Applicants must be able to furnish verbal or written statement establishing relevant prior work experience. Saturday work required. Perform prolonged bending, reaching, heavy lifting, carrying, and loading. Must be able to lift/carry 50 lbs. Employer-paid drug testing required post-accident or upon reasonable suspicion. Work is outside in inclement weather conditions including extremely hot, cold and/or wet weather. Work environment may be dusty or involve elevated noise levels. Must be 18 or older.